Scooter theft shatters owner

THE theft of a disabled pensioner's mobility scooter has taken away William Dufty's only means of living an independent existence.

Mr Dufty hasn't been able to walk for three years. He started paying off the Sportster mobility scooter 15 months ago and was halfway to finalising payments on his $4500 lifeline.

For more than a year, he has secured the scooter with lock and chain to a railing outside his Coffs Harbour home but last Thursday night, sometime between 9pm and 2am, thieves dismantled parts of the scooter to release it from the rail, before taking off with it.

“I am shattered. The scooter allowed me to be independent, I could go to the Plaza and do my food shopping or go to the doctor,” Mr Dufty said.

“The loss means I have to rely on other people to do day-to-day things. I'm not managing and it's not okay.

“How can anybody do that?

“I always leave it out there because I can't fit it inside and now I have to go back to using my wheelchair and relying on assistance.”

Mr Dufty said the scooter, pictured below, was one of three in Coffs Harbour and should be easily recognisable.

His Sportster SE is a black trike with chrome wheels. It does not have a hood.

Anyone with information should contact Coffs Harbour Police Station on 66520299.